During the 1980s, the surge of illegal drugs in American cities brought about a notable increase in gang violence. Although similar challenges persist today, particularly with the opioid crisis, the epidemic of the 1980s and ’90s had distinct features of its own. A vivid example from this time took place in Tacoma, Washington, highlighting the era’s violent intensity through a clash between US Army Rangers and local gang members.
Staff Sgt. William Foulk bought a house in a rough neighborhood
Army Ranger Staff Sgt. William “Bill” Foulk, a member of the 2nd Ranger Battalion based at Fort Lewis, Washington, purchased a home in Tacoma. Located in the Hilltop district, a neighborhood infamous for severe gang violence, the property was a steal at just $10,000, with the expectation that its value would appreciate over time.
While he might have believed the area was poised for improvement, Foulk may not have fully understood the extent of its issues. The neighborhood was notorious for open drug deals, with gang members frequently seen carrying automatic weapons in plain view. Hilltop often drew comparisons to the “Wild West” of gang violence due to its rampant criminal activity.
With local law enforcement stretched thin, Tacoma struggled to contend with the gangs’ formidable firepower.
Houses along the block saw serious gang activity
Staff Sgt. Foulk grew suspicious that residents of a nearby house on Ash Street, where he lived, were involved in drug dealing.
To gather proof, he installed a camera in one of his windows. The gang members soon realized they were under surveillance and tried various tactics to disable the camera, including hurling rotten pears at it. When these attempts failed, they settled on just shooting at it.
Foulk confronted the gang directly, demanding that they stop both their shooting and their illegal activities in the neighborhood. Predictably, they responded badly, warning the Army Ranger to mind his own business—a command he had no intention of obeying.
The Ash Street shootout of 1989
After encountering the gang members, Staff Sgt. Foulk became convinced they might target him. In response, he sent his wife away and invited his fellow Rangers over for a barbecue. Between 10 and 15 Rangers showed up, armed with heavy weapons. This decision proved wise when, on September 23, 1989, Foulk’s home came under attack.
The gang likely didn’t expect the Army Rangers to respond so decisively, quickly taking defensive positions and firing back. The firefight continued for 10 to 30 minutes until the police arrived to intervene. While most gang members managed to escape, two were apprehended and faced charges of assault and weapons offenses.
The Rangers were not charged, although their weapons were confiscated.
Aftermath of the shootout
The most amazing thing about the Ash Street shootout was that no one was killed or hurt, despite over 100 rounds being fired. Maj. Clyde Newman of the 2nd Ranger Battalion said of the incident, “From everything I am told by the city police, the Rangers were right. They were having a party, and they were attacked.”
Sam Thrall, a police sergeant, noted, “I think what happens now is we go up to Ash Street and clean them out… We have a real concentration of bad guys there and the neighborhood has finally clashed with them face to face. The fact that nobody got hurt – it is kind of amazing.”
The incident was a turning point for Tacoma, as it drew attention to the rampant crime in the city. Residents became involved in policing their own neighborhoods and created a safe spaces program that remains in place to this day. City officials also adjusted their budget to ensure additional police officers could be hired.
The Hilltop neighborhood completely changed
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The shootout on Ash Street was wild and chaotic, but, eventually, Tacoma’s Hilltop neighborhood became one of the city’s safest. As for Staff Sgt. Foulk, his investment became an incredible success. According to RedFin, the house he purchased for $10,000 is now worth well over what he paid – between $330,000 and $450,000!